The Socceroos capped off the second round of 2018 World Cup qualification in style as they left Allianz Stadium with a comprehensive 5-1 win against Jordan.
The game started off in Australian control and stayed that way as the hosts dominated from start to finish, despite a general belief the challenge would be far tougher.
After 16 minutes, Tom Rogic had instant impact in the starting XI, forcing a save from Jordanian goalkeeper Amer Shafi. The Socceroos only had to wait another eight minutes for their opener, however, as Robbie Kruse’s low cross found Tim Cahill to open the scoring 1-0.
Kruse then teed up Aaron Mooy with seven minutes remaining in the first half, with Melbourne City man making no mistake, doubling the lead for the Aussies.
Ange Postecoglou’s men were not done yet in the first term though. Kruse got his third assist at 44 minutes as well as Cahill getting his second goal with a trademark header to make it 3-0.
Eight minutes into the second half, Rogic showed great commitment and poise after Cahill’s shot landed at his feet. The Celtic man had a lot to do but slipped it past Shafi to make it four goals.
The two substitutes combined as Chris Ikonomidis’ cross found Massimo Luongo who made it a 5-0 lead soon after to round out the Socceroos scoring.
Abdallah Deeb managed to snatch a late consolation for Jordan, which will leave Mat Ryan unhappy considering the light work he had to do. Nevertheless, it finished 5-1 in Sydney as Australia moved onto the third round of World Cup qualifying.
Sydneysiders did not turn up
Moves have been made to bring more international football to New South Wales, yet the Sydney crowd could only manage just over 24,000 in a stadium that can accommodate over 40,000 fans.
READ MORE: Twitter reacts as the Socceroos Kruse to victory against Jordan
It is laughable how much Sydneysiders pride themselves on their love for the game, yet cannot deliver. Adelaide saw a healthy crowd turn up to see Australia’s drubbing of Tajikistan last week, but that was not backed up. The last game in Sydney was the Asian Cup final, and, having seen and hosted that match, one would think the people of New South Wales would turn up to get behind the national team.
It seems Melbourne has been sold short with just a the upcoming friendly against Greece; a larger crowd of at least 30,000 would have surfaced at AAMI Park or even more at Etihad Stadium.
Socceroos walk the walk
The talk about depth has certainly been shown, so far at least. Robbie Kruse and Tom Rogic started and had immediate impact, as well as the two substitutes Luongo and Ikonomidis. Postecoglou has the confidence to tinker with the team, not to mention Josh Risdon coming in and playing well. Despite knocking off weak oppositions, the Aussies look like they will be in good shape for the next phase of qualification.
Aaron Mooy should book a ticket to Europe
The most consistent performer in both club and country colours has hardly put a foot wrong. The Melbourne City man is full of clichés about his future, which could be an indication he might be leaving.
From the Socceroos’ point of view, he is one of the most important players in the squad and he showed that tonight with his involvement and the wonderful goal he scored.
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